The Real Riches
June 9, 2008
Excerpts and photos taken from Rhumbos online:
Peru not only possesses the greatest diversity of butterflies in the world, it also has the most species. More than 3,700 butterfly species have been found in this country, more than the 3,607 species counted in all of sub-equatorial Africa. It is estimated that the total butterfly fauna of Peru will exceed 4,200 species. The neo-tropical region of the Americas (Central and South America) is considered to shelter some 7,500 species, therefore it is correct to assume that more than half of these are present in Peru. Finally, as some 18,000 butterfly species are believed to exist on Earth, it is concluded that Peru has been graced with more than 20% of the total butterfly fauna on the planet.
By far, the greatest diversity in butterflies is found on the eastern slopes of the Andes and in the Amazon Basin. There, especially at altitudes of less than 800m (2600 ft), butterflies fly in astonishing quantities and varieties, forming a veritable explosion of color, form, and movement. In favourable spots and with ideal climate conditions, hundreds of species and thousands of individuals can be observed in a single day.
To read more about how you can be surrounded by butterflies while panning for gold in the Amazon, please visit www.perugoldtours.com
